Ritz Cinema: New cinemas, upgrades approved for iconic Randwick venue
It is an icon in Sydney’s east and one of the last remaining art deco cinemas still in operation across Sydney. Plans to upgrade the iconic Ritz Cinema have now been given the green light. See the plans here.
Southern Courier
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Randwick’s iconic Ritz Cinema is set to undergo a major upgrade worth $1.8 million which will feature two new cinemas and other facilities for movie goers.
The cinema – famous for its art deco architecture and $10 tickets for members – was bought early last year by Eddie Tamir who has a history of operating and renovating heritage cinemas.
Two development applications were approved last week for the Ritz allowing for a range of upgrades.
The biggest change will see two new cinemas built near the rear of the building, taking the overall number of cinemas to eight. One cinema will have 45 seats and the other will have 98 seats.
Demolition works will also be undertaken to make space for the new cinemas including reducing the size of cinema one and cinema six.
The front stage inside cinema one – the largest cinema – will be removed and the number of seats will be reduced from 827 to 780.
The outdoor laneway cinema will also cease operation when construction begins on the new cinemas.
Other approved changes include demolishing and replacing the candy bar on the ground floor, refurbishing the bar on the mezzanine floor, installing new ticket kiosks, upgrading the bathrooms, and creating lounge rooms on the western side of the building.
The Ritz Cinema was first built in 1937 and five cinemas were added to the venue between 1996 and 2001.
“It is the intention of the new owners to undertake alterations and additions and refurbishment of the Ritz Cinema to ensure the heritage significance of the site is maintained whilst delivering an improved customer experience by modernising the facilities to meet customer expectations of comfort and convenience,” a development application stated.
The Tamir family also operates three cinemas in Victoria all built between the 1880s and 1930s.
One of the conditions of the development consent for the Ritz was the maximum number of patrons cannot be increased from 1815 patrons.
The Ritz, like many cinemas, was forced to temporarily close during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic but has since reopened its doors.